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Disney CEO Bob Iger has warned actors and writers that this is the “worst time in the world” to go on strike.
His comments arrive as the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) reportedly make plans to strike at the same time as the Writers Guild of America (WGA).
The actors union – representing 160,000 performers – said it unanimously agreed on a strike after demands for better pay fell through.
“It’s very disturbing to me,” Iger said on NBC.
“We’ve talked about disruptive forces on this business and all the challenges we’re facing; the recovery from COVID, which is ongoing, it’s not completely back.
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“This is the worst time in the world to add to that disruption.”
Hollywood will feel devastating effects from the strikes over the next few years as both writers and actors will be on strike together for the first time since 1960.
TV networks are preparing to pivot to schedules dominated by unscripted shows, while studios will be unable to film or promote their new projects until an agreement is reached.
“I understand any labour organization’s desire to work on behalf of its members to get the most compensation and be compensated fairly based on the value that they deliver,” Iger continued.
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“We managed, as an industry, to negotiate a very good deal with the directors guild that reflects the value that the directors contribute to this great business.
“We wanted to do the same thing with the writers, and we’d like to do the same thing with the actors.
“There’s a level of expectation that they have that is just not realistic. And they are adding to the set of the challenges that this business is already facing that is, quite frankly, very disruptive.”
Iger added he respects the unions for trying to “get as much as they possibly can in compensation for their people”, but urged them to be “realistic”.
The Disney CEO unexpectedly returned to his position last year after stepping down in 2020.
He has an estimated net worth of $350 million and receives an annual compensation of about $27 million.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher has said the studios’ response to actors’ demands has been “insulting and disrespectful”.
“The companies have refused to meaningfully engage on some topics and on others completely stonewalled us,” she said. “Until they do negotiate in good faith, we cannot begin to reach a deal.”
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